Menu
04/04/2012
Public Support For NI Pharmacy Prescribing
Northern Ireland pharmacists are prescribing safely and appropriately, a new study has found.
The study found widespread acceptance of pharmacist prescribing by patients and medical colleagues.
The report, commissioned by the Department for Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) and the HSC R&D Division of the Public Health Agency (PHA), is the first evaluation of independent prescribing by non-medical prescribers in Northern Ireland since legislation in 2006 enabled nurses and pharmacists to independently prescribe.
Dr Norman Morrow, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, said: "The development of non-medical prescribing is a key policy initiative that aims to maximise benefits to patients and the health service by increasing patient choice, providing better access to medicines and maximising workforce skills. This research provides encouraging evidence of pharmacist prescribers managing patient care safely and effectively with wide acceptance from their patients and healthcare colleagues.
"The findings also indicate the need for more effective engagement of pharmacists within the Health Service to utilise their new skills and increase their contribution to improved patient care."
The research, which took place over an 18-month period between 2009 and 2011, involved an evaluation of pharmacist prescribing from the perspective of patients, pharmacists, medical colleagues and key stakeholders.
Professor Carmel Hughes from Queen’s University Belfast, who led the research team, said:"Our research shows that patients and other healthcare professionals value the contribution that pharmacist prescribers make to patient care.
"We also made a number of recommendations including the need to increase awareness of pharmacy prescribing, overcome barriers that are preventing pharmacists from using their prescribing skills and address educational needs. There also needs to be more research on how pharmacist prescribers can contribute more fully to patient care while working within teams."
(LB)
The study found widespread acceptance of pharmacist prescribing by patients and medical colleagues.
The report, commissioned by the Department for Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) and the HSC R&D Division of the Public Health Agency (PHA), is the first evaluation of independent prescribing by non-medical prescribers in Northern Ireland since legislation in 2006 enabled nurses and pharmacists to independently prescribe.
Dr Norman Morrow, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, said: "The development of non-medical prescribing is a key policy initiative that aims to maximise benefits to patients and the health service by increasing patient choice, providing better access to medicines and maximising workforce skills. This research provides encouraging evidence of pharmacist prescribers managing patient care safely and effectively with wide acceptance from their patients and healthcare colleagues.
"The findings also indicate the need for more effective engagement of pharmacists within the Health Service to utilise their new skills and increase their contribution to improved patient care."
The research, which took place over an 18-month period between 2009 and 2011, involved an evaluation of pharmacist prescribing from the perspective of patients, pharmacists, medical colleagues and key stakeholders.
Professor Carmel Hughes from Queen’s University Belfast, who led the research team, said:"Our research shows that patients and other healthcare professionals value the contribution that pharmacist prescribers make to patient care.
"We also made a number of recommendations including the need to increase awareness of pharmacy prescribing, overcome barriers that are preventing pharmacists from using their prescribing skills and address educational needs. There also needs to be more research on how pharmacist prescribers can contribute more fully to patient care while working within teams."
(LB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 November 2019
CF Drugs To Be Available Within Weeks
Clinicians will begin prescribing life-changing drugs to local Cystic Fibrosis patients in a matter of weeks, the Department of Health has confirmed. Orkambi, Symkevi and Kalydeco will be made available through a deal with manufacturer Vertex Pharmaceuticals which follows similar arrangements in England and Scotland.
CF Drugs To Be Available Within Weeks
Clinicians will begin prescribing life-changing drugs to local Cystic Fibrosis patients in a matter of weeks, the Department of Health has confirmed. Orkambi, Symkevi and Kalydeco will be made available through a deal with manufacturer Vertex Pharmaceuticals which follows similar arrangements in England and Scotland.
28 June 2005
Clinical drug experts gather at conference
Almost 150 of Europe’s top experts on medicines will gather at the University of Ulster this week as part of the European Drug Utilisation Research Group’s (EuroDURG) annual scientific congress. The event, which is being held in Ireland for the first time, is to take place at the Coleraine campus on Thursday and Friday.
Clinical drug experts gather at conference
Almost 150 of Europe’s top experts on medicines will gather at the University of Ulster this week as part of the European Drug Utilisation Research Group’s (EuroDURG) annual scientific congress. The event, which is being held in Ireland for the first time, is to take place at the Coleraine campus on Thursday and Friday.
16 November 2020
Covid-19 Patients Are Not Being Prioritised Over Other Patients
Covid-19 patients are not being prioritised over patients with other conditions, according to a new Department of Health (DoH) 'Mythbuster' initiative. The DoH has issued the first in a planned series of 'mythbusters', correcting inaccurate claims about Covid-19.
Covid-19 Patients Are Not Being Prioritised Over Other Patients
Covid-19 patients are not being prioritised over patients with other conditions, according to a new Department of Health (DoH) 'Mythbuster' initiative. The DoH has issued the first in a planned series of 'mythbusters', correcting inaccurate claims about Covid-19.
15 March 2022
Over 1,700 Patients Receiving Ground-Breaking Covid-19 Treatments
More than 1,700 patients at highest risk of serious illness across NI have received ground-breaking Covid-19 treatments. The patients have received neutralising monoclonal antibody (nMAB) and antiviral treatments at Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust Outpatient COVID-19 Treatment services (OCTs), or oral antiviral medicine to take at home.
Over 1,700 Patients Receiving Ground-Breaking Covid-19 Treatments
More than 1,700 patients at highest risk of serious illness across NI have received ground-breaking Covid-19 treatments. The patients have received neutralising monoclonal antibody (nMAB) and antiviral treatments at Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust Outpatient COVID-19 Treatment services (OCTs), or oral antiviral medicine to take at home.
22 July 2009
Pharmacies May Dispense Over Border
The Irish Republic's Health Service Executive (HSE) has invited pharmacies in Northern Ireland to consider dispensing medicines to its own medical card patients in border counties. The move is being planned from the beginning of next month, with an invitation issued through newspaper advertisements.
Pharmacies May Dispense Over Border
The Irish Republic's Health Service Executive (HSE) has invited pharmacies in Northern Ireland to consider dispensing medicines to its own medical card patients in border counties. The move is being planned from the beginning of next month, with an invitation issued through newspaper advertisements.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
